FedEx Innovation

Tags:

  culture, FedEx Innovation Labs, FedEx Institute of Technology, innovation, University of Memphis
FedEx was built upon innovation and it continues to be an integral part of the FedEx culture and business strategy. Our commitment to innovation propels the development of ideas, products and services that empower our customers to grow their businesses around the world.
 
FedEx created a new and distinct market over thirty years ago when it began providing customers access to next day just-in-time delivery service. Since its inception, Frederick W. Smith’s vision for the company has always had a focus on innovation.  
 
In 1978, Fred Smith was famously quoted as saying, “The information about the package is just as important as the package itself.” Today, FedEx provides customers access to almost real-time information which has enabled new supply chain models and efficiencies. This unprecedented access to information is connecting customers around the world to economic markets and communities. 
 
Innovation is a part of the DNA at FedEx. Whether it is through web services, alternative energy practices or the development of high-technology, FedEx sees innovation as a strategic business practice that is continuously enhanced, developed and encouraged. 
 
History of Innovation
 
FedEx has a rich history of innovation that is built on a series of “firsts” including:
  • Installing computers in delivery vehicles, providing sophisticated automation for corporate mailing services and developing tracking capabilities and software.
  • In 1994, we were the first to offer package-status tracking for improved customer service via fedex.com.
  • Offering shipping for improved customer service and convenience via fedex.com
  • Pioneering the use of wireless technology for shipping over 25 years ago with the introduction of the Digital Assisted Dispatch System (DADS).
 
Innovative Spaces
 
FedEx Innovation Labs
Continuing the FedEx commitment to the pursuit and development of new technologies to provide innovative solutions and services for customers, FedEx developed the FedEx Innovation Labs, an information technology project designed to create an atmosphere of collaborative thinking around critical technologies such as advanced optics for scanning, robotics, pervasive computing, social networking and more. 
 
The FedEx Innovation Labs house a research and development team tasked with looking at future technologies that have a three-to-five year production roadmap. 
 
FedEx Innovation Labs are a supplement to the ongoing R&D efforts at FedEx. Located in downtown Memphis along the Mississippi River—away from the corporate headquarters—the Labs share office space in a renovated 1900’s furniture warehouse with a local technology entrepreneurial incubator, EmergeMemphis. 
 
The FedEx Institute of Technology at the University of Memphis
The FedEx Institute of Technology is where science, business and industry intersect at the University of Memphis for advanced research. A versatile, high-tech facility, the Institute is ideal for think tank sessions, corporate retreats, training and national conferences.
 
The FedEx Institute is home to cutting-edge research teams working in areas such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, geospatial analysis, multimedia arts and nanotechnology. It also serves as a gateway for businesses to collaborate with University of Memphis researchers. In all, the Institute is home to over 150 faculty members, researchers and staff.
 
For more information, please visit http://fedex.memphis.edu/index.shtml